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A classic Karnataka dish that masterfully balances bitter, sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. Tender bitter gourd is simmered in a tangy tamarind and sweet jaggery gravy, creating a uniquely delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with rice or roti.
Prepare the Bitter Gourd
Sauté the Bitter Gourd
Prepare the Gojju Base
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A classic Karnataka dish that masterfully balances bitter, sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. Tender bitter gourd is simmered in a tangy tamarind and sweet jaggery gravy, creating a uniquely delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with rice or roti.
This south_indian recipe takes 45 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 216.56 calories per serving with 1.92g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner or side.
Simmer the Gravy
Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
Finish and Serve
Add 2-3 tablespoons of freshly grated coconut or dry coconut (kopra) along with the spice powders for a thicker, richer gravy.
Add 2 tablespoons of coarsely crushed roasted peanuts to the tempering for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
While jaggery is traditional, you can substitute it with date syrup or a small amount of brown sugar if jaggery is unavailable.
Increase the amount of sambar powder or add 1/4 teaspoon of red chili powder along with it for extra heat.
Bitter gourd contains active compounds like charantin and polypeptide-p, which are known to have properties that may help in regulating blood sugar levels.
The combination of tamarind, asafoetida, and fiber from the bitter gourd can stimulate digestion, prevent constipation, and promote a healthy gut.
Spices like turmeric and tamarind are loaded with antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Bitter gourd is an excellent source of Vitamin C, an important micronutrient that helps in boosting the immune system and fighting off infections.
Yes, it is quite healthy. Bitter gourd is packed with nutrients and is known for its potential to help regulate blood sugar. The dish uses traditional spices with anti-inflammatory properties. However, it contains jaggery, so it should be consumed in moderation, especially by those monitoring their sugar intake.
One serving of Hagalakayi Gojju (about 1/2 cup or 155g) contains approximately 160-180 calories, primarily from the oil and jaggery.
If the final dish is too bitter, you can balance it by adding a little more jaggery for sweetness or a bit more tamarind paste for sourness. A small dollop of ghee when serving can also help mellow the flavors.
Absolutely. This gojju base works wonderfully with other vegetables like brinjal (eggplant), okra (ladies' finger), or even pineapple for a sweet and sour version.
Store the gojju in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. The flavors often improve overnight, making it a great make-ahead dish.
It is not recommended. The tempering (tadka) is a crucial step in South Indian cooking that adds a final layer of aroma and flavor from the spices and dals, significantly enhancing the dish.